Tresu’s Flexo Kit is used to apply special finishes such as metallic effects to folding cartons
A compact flexo printing unit has been developed by Tresu for application of high-gloss metallic finishes onto digitally printed folding cartons.
The Tresu Flexo Kit is specially designed for integration into a production line that features an HP Indigo 30000 digital press and a Tresu iCoat coater.
Using printing sleeves and featuring a dedicated anilox roller, chambered doctor blade and pump, the Flexo Kit unit provides a separate uncontaminated supply system for gold, silver, aerodyne and other special-effect coating finishes.
The unit is fine-tuned to the flow and drying characteristics of metallic inks, so ink can be applied at speeds of up to 4600 sheets per hour, equivalent to maximum printer and coater speeds. The pumps and chamber doctor blade provide an enclosed ink flow throughout the unit, allowing tight regulation of viscosity and pressure, and preventing foaming. Its automatic cleaning facility means ink changes can take place in minutes. Additionally, the unit’s anilox rollers feature elongated cells to handle relatively large particles without clogging.
The Flexo Kit can be retrofitted into existing iCoat units or specified as an option on new machines.
‘Metallic inks are an essential requirement for folding carton niches such as chocolates and confectionery, and flexo is the ideal process for achieving the high-gloss effect,’ commented Kim Krintel, vice-president, Tresu DigitalSolutions. ‘Tresu Flexo Kit enables digital converters to add this high-value embellishment with minimal extra logistics, inline and at fast speeds.’
